Tips for a Better Live-aboard Trip

1. Select biodegradable personal-care products like shampoos and soaps whenever possible: Everything you flush or rinse is going into the seas you are sailing.

2. Pick out the absolute least amount of clothing you think you will need for the length of your cruise, and then cut it in half. Really.

3. Ask your live-aboard operator what dive tools are needed in the region you are visiting — pointer? reef hook? SMB with extra line? — and then make sure you have the training to be comfortable using them.

4. If your cruise includes stops at local villages, ask what items you can bring to share — like pens or pencils for schoolchildren — or what local needs are.

5. Bring a Sharpie or indelible marker, then buy a souvenir T-shirt on the boat. Have the crew and guests sign your shirt for a unique but affordable souvenir and a fun memory.

6. Depackage everything you can before you go – like batteries and meds. The developing world has trash problems of its own, it doesn’t need your detritus too.

7. You’ve heard the one about bringing candy to share with your fellow passengers, but remember to include the crew too: It’s a good way to get to know live-aboard staff beyond your divemasters, and intoducing them to new flavors fings out the kid in eveybody.

About dive53

I believe in protecting our oceans, lakes and rivers, as well as their aquatic life. I respect the work of conservation groups such as Save the Sharks, Save the Sea Turtles and Save our Wrecks. I believe that the use of plastic bags/bottled water should be discouraged as plastic finds its way to the ocean. I also support Diving for the Disabled and Swimming for the Disabled.
As a PADI-certified diver, my interest in diving led to the opening in July 2008 of kirkscubagear, my online business. My site offers more than 2,000 products, including freediving, swimming and outdoor equipment. My continuing goal is to encourage diving and offer customers a shopping alternative for the purchase of scuba gear.